It's been a little less than 50 years since the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show February 9th, 1964 and changed our lives forever. The Beatles started their professional careers with a trip to Hamburg, Germany in August of 1960. I'm going to post to this blog what the Beatles were doing 50 years ago to the day from just before that first tour until the historic Ed Sullivan appearance. "Follow by email" for ongoing updates. (Eternal thanks to Mark Lewisohn.)

Monday, January 30, 2012

A Rejection!?

February 1, 1961

Word has come up from Decca in London and it is most disappointing. Thank you, Mr Epstein, but Decca is not interested in recording the Beatles at this time. Dick Rowe tenders some advice to Brian Epstein. "The boys won't go, Mr Epstein. We know these things. You have a good record business in Liverpool. Stick to that."

Mike Smith, the Decca A&R man who recorded them, is allowed to make the choice between the Beatles and Brian Poole and the Tremoloes and, based mostly on geography, he chooses the Tremeloes (they are from nearby Essex). And anyhow, guitar groups are on the way out. Decca is going for the next big thing, whatever they think that is.

Brian is gobsmacked and is not so easily dissuaded, He resolves to make one last appeal in person at Decca's offices in London, but the die is cast. Dick Rowe will wind up with the unshakeable reputation as the man who, on being offered the keys to Fort Knox, said "No, thanks" and walked away.

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About Me

After a 30 year career in IT, I got a retirement offer from Ford Motor Company that was too good to pass up. Since then I've been devoting my time to enjoying life, especially through reading, biking and music. I'm a member, with Alison Donahue, of the Guitar/Cello Duo called "Cello Bella" and the Beatles tribute band, The Buntles. (We don't get smash hits, but we can usually bunt our way on base!)